Bafana ready for action

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana have completed their preparations ahead of a friendly international soccer match against Poland, which will be played in the National Stadium, in Warsaw, on Friday.

After three training sessions, South Africa's head coach Gordon Igesund declared a clean bill of health with all players available for selection.

This will be his third match in charge following encounters against Brazil and Mozambique last month.

"I believe this is going to be a great match, because it's a good test for us to play against top European sides. Also we don't often get a chance to play against European sides," he said on Thursday.

"This is the kind of match we wanted and I believe the boys will learn a lot. I am looking forward to the match as much as the players, and I hope it will be a worthwhile exercise as this is an important period since we are building for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations."

This is the second time that the two sides have met. The first was shortly before the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, with SA's Terror Fanteni scoring the solitary goal in the match.

Poland are ranked 54th to Bafana Bafana's 76th.

"The spirit in the camp is excellent and there are a lot of positives. We have had just three training sessions, but we have done a lot during that time," said Bafana Bafana captain Bongani Khumalo.

"We are really looking forward to that match and for us it's a great challenge playing a good side like Poland, but we have quality players that I believe will be able to handle the situation," he said.

The defender took over the armband from former skipper Steven Pienaar, who recently announced his retirement from international football.

"Being captain is a great responsibility and I am honoured to be leading these players. This will not affect my game as I know how big this role is," said the Greece-based player.

Bafana Bafana will fly to Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday to face that country in a friendly international on Tuesday.

That clash will take place at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.